(PCM) We’ll try not to make any Grease references and we certainly aren’t going to criticize the wonderfully cheesy cover art, we’re just going to spread the yuletide cheer a bit early with this news: John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John have collaborated on a Christmas album slated for release November 13.
The album, featuring special guests like James Taylor, Tony Bennett, Barbra Streisand, Kenny G and more, is called “This Christmas” and marks the first time in nearly 35 years that the duo we adore so much has recorded music together.
So, who do we have to thank for this masterful collaboration? Well, ‘tis the season to spread the cheer, so we’ll spread the credit, too. The idea came from John after receiving a Christmastime text from his dear friend Olivia noting that their 1978 smash, “You’re the One That I Want,” had just become the best-selling duet in pop music history. A well deserved title, we might add!
One of the featured tracks on the album, “I Think You Might Like It” will even serve as a sequel to that best-selling duet. The new song was written by John Farrar, who also wrote “You’re the One That I Want,” as well as “Hopelessly Devoted to You.”
“From the moment we decided to do this, magic happened,” John stated. “Everyone we contacted agreed to do it.”
“It just fell into place,” added Olivia. “With our busy schedules, I don’t know how we got it done. John and I have always connected. That’s never gone away. When we’re together, we have a good laugh and feel bonded to one another. We’ve been through some amazing experiences together.”
To make this experience even more amazing and holiday-appropriate, the money raised from the album will go straight to John and Olivia’s respective charities, the Jett Travolta Foundation and the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in Melbourne.
“We want to make a lot of people smile and happy. It’s a project that we’re hoping turns into a perennial, one that can continue to raise money for these causes year after year, a gift that keeps on giving,” noted Olivia.
John also spoke to his hopes for the record, “I wanted people to be able to play it around the house or in the car during the holidays, and make us part of your celebration. Gathering around house listening to Christmas music has always been an important part of that time of the year to my family.”
Ours, too, John! We have a feeling This Christmas will be the perfect addition to our favorite Christmas albums. Don’t forget to pick yours up November 13 when it hits stores.
Here’s the tracklisting:
1. Baby It’s Cold Outside
2. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree (featuring Kenny G)
3. I’ll Be Home for Christmas (featuring Barbra Streisand)
4. This Christmas (featuring Chick Corea)
5. Silent Night
6. The Christmas Waltz
7. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (featuring Cliff Richard)
8. Winter Wonderland (featuring Tony Bennett and The Count Basie Orchestra)
9. White Christmas
10. I Think You Might Like It
11. The Christmas Song
12. Deck the Halls (featuring James Taylor)
13. Auld Lang Syne/Christmas Time Is Here (Medley)